Mykhailo Fedorov, who was recently dismissed as Ukraine's defence minister, has publicly called for presidential elections to be held even while the country remains under martial law and at war with Russia. This marks a significant challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
"Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," Fedorov stated in a YouTube video posted Tuesday. He emphasized that Ukraine is fighting to preserve its identity as a free European state. Under martial law, which has been in effect since Russia's invasion, elections are suspended.
Fedorov, 35, was unexpectedly removed from his position as defence minister in late July, just six months after his appointment. His dismissal followed protests across the country and is widely believed to be linked to tensions with army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who himself was replaced weeks later under public pressure.
During his tenure, Fedorov was recognized for efforts to combat corruption within the ministry and for using data analysis to improve front-line performance. In his video, he did not name Zelensky but stressed the need for a "legal, safe, and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full democratic process even amidst a prolonged war."
He also cited a "systemic crisis of governance" and a fear of change within Ukraine, pointing to corruption as detrimental to the country's war effort. Yevgeniy Khmara, a career intelligence official, has since been appointed as acting defence minister.
While other government positions, such as deputy prime minister for military innovation, were reportedly offered to Fedorov, he has stated he would only return to his former role as defence minister. Zelensky has not yet publicly responded to Fedorov's call for elections.